Bottle closure containing beverage concentrate

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to controlled flow re-sealable bottle closures containing a beverage concentrate for use in mixing flavored water-based beverages at or near the point of consumption by activation of a mixing mechanism allowing the contents of the bottle to co-mingle with the beverage concentrate.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 10/418,931, filed Apr. 18, 2003, which is hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to re-sealable bottle closures for usewith bottled beverages. In particular, the present invention relates tore-sealable beverage bottle closures that contain at least one beverageconcentrate for use by consumers in mixing with the contents of thebottle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The popularity of bottled drinking water as an alternative to tap waterhas been growing in recent years. In fact, bottled water, which includesspring water, distilled water, purified water, mineral water, andothers, can be found in nearly every country in the world today.Although water itself is a popular beverage, many consumers preferflavored water-based beverages, such as those sold under the populartrademarks KOOL-AID® and GATORADE®. Indeed, some flavored water-baseddrinks may enhance the body's absorption of vitamins, minerals, andother substances, as well as increase the body's rate of hydration.

One problem encountered by flavored beverage consumers has been theavailability of their favorite beverage at or near the desired point ofconsumption. For example, the choice of available flavored beveragesfrom vendors is often limited when visiting popular tourist attractions.Such vendors desire to maximize sales with as small a product inventoryand selection as possible. Reduced product inventory and selection alsoreduces the risk that a product will not sell before it's shelf life hasbeen exceeded.

One method of overcoming the problem of the limited selection andavailability of flavored water-based beverages at or near the point ofconsumption is for the consumer to carry the desired beverage on hisperson. The obvious problem with this approach is that it can often becumbersome, or burdensome to carry one or more containers of liquid. Forexample, it may be difficult for a mother or father to carry multiplebeverage containers to a remote point of consumption for a family havingdifferent beverage preferences.

Another method of overcoming the problem of the limited selection andavailability of flavored water-based beverages at or near the point ofconsumption is for the consumer to carry the desired beverage drink mixon his person, for mixing with bottled water available at the point ofconsumption. The large number of producers of bottled water products,and their popularity among consumers, has ensured that bottled water isoften available as an alternative to the most popular flavoredbeverages. As before, one problem with this approach is that it canoften be cumbersome, or burdensome to carry one or more large containersof drink mix. Another problem with this approach is that it is difficultto measure and mix such drink mixes at the point of consumption usingwater sold in bottles. Suitable mixing containers increase the load thatmust be carried to the point of consumption. Mixing within the waterbottle itself is often impractical due to the need to accurately measureand deposit the drink mix through the relatively narrow neck of thewater bottle.

As a result of the inadequacies of the existing solutions to theseproblems, there is a need to provide increased availability of flavoredwater-based beverages at the point of consumption. There is a need toprovide easy-to-use, point of consumption, mechanism for measuring offlavored, water-based drink mixes. There is a need to provideeasy-to-use, point of consumption, mechanism for mixing of flavored,water-based drink mixes. There is a need to provide a point ofconsumption mechanism that incorporates all of the above, and furthercontains closure features that allow the consumer to control the flow ofthe beverage from the beverage container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide consumers with aneasy-to use apparatus for mixing flavored water-based beverages ondemand, at or near the point of consumption.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatuscontaining a pre-measured amount of beverage concentrate for use by aconsumer in mixing a flavored water-based beverages at or near the pointof consumption.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus formixing flavored water-based beverages at or near the point ofconsumption that is contained within the beverage container, and doesnot require the consumer to come into contact with the beverage contentsor beverage concentrate during mixing.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus formixing flavored water-based beverages at or near the point ofconsumption that contains dispensing features that allow controlled flowof the mixed beverage.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus formixing flavored water-based beverages at or near the point ofconsumption that is lightweight and of compact design, allowing the userto carry numerous such items without significant burden.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus formixing flavored water-based beverages at or near the point ofconsumption that contains all of the above advantages, and which issimple to manufacture.

The present invention includes a re-sealable, controlled flow bottleclosure comprised of a threaded shell having a throat portion and acontainer connector portion, with the throat portion having an elongatewall connected at one end to the container connector portion. The throatportion of the threaded shell includes an interior space and a mixingaperture that extends through the wall and into the interior space.

The bottle closures of the present invention further include a beverageconcentrate reservoir having a mixing mechanism, which is at leastpartially inserted into the interior space of the throat portionpreviously described. The beverage concentrate reservoir is comprised ofa tubular reservoir section that contains a beverage concentrate, aswell as an aperture that allows flow of liquid in the beverage containerto co-mingle with the beverage concentrate when the mixing mechanism isactivated and the aperture in the beverage concentrate reservoir and theaperture in the throat portion are at least partially aligned. Thealignment of the apertures can be achieved through a number of means.Such means include, but are not limited to, snap-fit mechanisms,rotational mechanisms, screw-type mechanisms, and combinations thereof.

The bottle closures of the present invention further include features toallow consumers of a beverage to both re-seal the beverage bottle and tocontrol the flow of the beverage from the bottle. In this regard, thebottle closures of the present invention include a cap-and-stem assemblythat allows the closure to be repeatedly opened and re-sealed by aconsumer. The cap-and-stem assembly also serves as a valve to allow theconsumer to control the amount of flow of liquid for consumption fromthe beverage container by adjustment of the cap relative to the stem.

The present invention also includes methods for use of the bottleclosures of the present invention. Such methods include the steps ofengaging the bottle closures as taught herein with a beverage bottle,activation of the mixing mechanism to allow the beverage concentrate toco-mingle with liquid in the bottle to created a mixed beverage, andadjusting the cap of the cap-and-stem assembly to allow the mixedbeverage to controllably flow from the beverage bottle.

The foregoing summary of the invention and further embodiments of thepresent invention can be better understood by reference to the followingdrawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the re-sealablebottle closures of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional, partial cut-away view of one embodiment ofthe re-sealable bottle closures of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a is a cross-sectional, partial cut-away view of the sameembodiment of the bottle closures of the present invention as shown inFIG. 2, after activation of the mixing features.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional, partial cut-away view of another embodimentof the bottle closures of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a is a cross-sectional, partial cut-away view of the sameembodiment of the bottle closures shown in FIG. 4, after activation ofthe mixing features.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional, partial cut-away view of another embodimentof the bottle closures of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a is a cross-sectional, partial cut-away view of the sameembodiment of the bottle closures shown in FIG. 6, after activation ofthe mixing features.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional, partial cut-away view of one embodiment ofthe bottle closures of the present invention, after opening of thedispensing features.

FIG. 9 is a side view of one embodiment of the bottle closures of thepresent invention, as inserted and threaded onto the neck of a beveragecontainer.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of the methods of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described more fully below, the present invention is directed towardre-sealable bottle closures for use with bottled beverages. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to re-sealable, controlledflow bottle closures containing a beverage concentrate reservoir thatcan be activated by a consumer of the bottled beverage at the point ofconsumption to mix the concentrate with the bottle contents to create amixed beverage.

As used herein, the term “bottle” refers to any beverage container madeof plastic, glass, metal or other material that contains a threaded topdesigned for use with a threaded or snap-fit closure. Such beveragecontainers are well known in the beverage industry. There are an almostunlimited number of product configurations and sizes. The term “bottle”as used herein is not intended to be limited to any particular containersize, configuration, or material composition.

As used herein, the phrase “bottled beverage” refers to any beveragecontained in a bottle of the present invention as defined previouslyherein. Such bottled beverages can include water, including withoutlimitation, tap water, purified water, distilled water, spring water,mineral water, de-ionized water, or carbonated water.

As used herein, the phrase “bottle closure” refers generically to aclosure for containers such as the bottles of the present invention asdescribed previously herein. Such bottle closures include withoutlimitation, threaded closures, and re-sealable bottle closures. Suchbottle closures need not, however, be threaded closures, and in someembodiments can be “snap-fit” type closures.

As used herein, the phrase “re-sealable closure” refers generically to aspecific class of bottle closures as previously defined. In general suchclosures include a cap having an aperture that fits around andcorresponds in shape to a central stem extending from the closure. Thestem and/or support structure for the stem contain passageways for fluidto escape from the bottle when the cap is placed in its “open” position,as more fully described below. The cap can be axially adjustablerelative to the stem using a variety of mechanisms such as by pushing orpulling the cap, or by screw action relative to the central stem. Whenthe cap is seated snugly to the stem, and the stem extends through theaperture on the cap, it is in its closed position, and the bottle issealed. When the cap is unseated, and moved axially relative to thestem, such that the stem does not extend through the aperture on thecap, it is in its open position, and fluid is capable of flowing out ofthe bottle. In this regard, the cap and stem act as a valve forcontrolling flow from the bottle. By adjusting the positioning of thecap axially relative to the stem, the fluid flow from the bottle can becontrolled as desired by the user. The re-sealable closures of thepresent invention include this controlled dispensing feature.

The re-sealable closures of the present invention include a beverageconcentrate reservoir. The beverage concentrate reservoir is a cavitywithin the bottle closure that contains the beverage concentrate withinthe bottle closure until it is exposed by the consumer for mixing withthe bottle contents, typically at or near the point of consumption.Preferably, the beverage concentrate is pre-measured for use with aspecific volume of liquid, such as water. In this manner, there-sealable closure can be fitted to a bottle of water containing anappropriate amount of water to be mixed with an appropriate amount ofbeverage concentrate.

The re-sealable closures of the present invention include at least onebeverage concentrate for use by a consumer of a bottled beverage inmixing with the contents of the bottled beverage. As used herein, thephrase “beverage concentrate” refers to a concentrate of a beveragemixture that is at least semi-soluble in a bottled beverage of thepresent invention as described herein. Such beverage concentrates can bein liquid form, solid form, or mixtures thereof. Liquid form beverageconcentrates include without limitation, syrups. Solid form beverageconcentrates include, without limitation, powdered mixes, granulatedmixes and the like. Many such beverage concentrates are currently knownand used in the art of beverage mixing. Such beverage concentratesinclude, without limitation, popular powdered beverage concentrates soldunder trademarks KOOL-AID®, TANG®, and GATORADE®. Additional suchbeverage concentrates include powdered beverage concentrates for coffee,juices, teas, and infant formula. Beverage concentrates of the presentinvention can also include preparations of nutritional supplements, suchas vitamins and the like. Beverage concentrates of the present inventioncan also include preparations of orally-ingestible medications. Beverageconcentrates of the present invention can also include alcohol-baseddrinks. It is to be expressly understood that the beverage concentratesof the present invention must contain at least one of the above types ofcomponents, but can also include any combination or mixtures thereof.

One of the benefits of the bottle closures of the present invention isthe provision of a mechanism that allows a consumer to mix the beverageconcentrate with the bottle contents by activation of a mixing mechanismincorporated in the bottle closure, and then dispense the mixed beveragein a controlled fashion. Activation of the mixing mechanism may occur byscrew action, twisting action, pushing action, and combinations thereof,on the mixing mechanism, as more described below with regard to thefigures and specific embodiments.

The present invention will now be described in more detail with respectto the drawings. As shown in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 1, oneembodiment of the present invention includes a threaded re-sealablebottle closure 1 having three components, a circular threaded shell 2,an elongate beverage concentrate reservoir 3 and a cap 4. It should beunderstood that the bottle closures of the present invention aregenerally circular in shape. Accordingly, as used in the discussion ofthe drawings, certain terms as used herein, such as walls or fins,should be understood to encompass a single wall or fin, having acircular shape. The shell 2 includes a generally cylindrical throatportion 5, and a threaded portion 6. The cylindrical throat portion 5has elongate walls 7 that terminate without meeting at one end to definean open-ended, generally cylindrical space 8. Alternatively, the wallsmay bend at the bottom to form a partially enclosed space. The elongatewalls 7 contain at least one aperture 9, as shown in FIGS. 2-8. Thethreaded portion 6 contains threads 10 for mating with the opposedthreads of a beverage bottle (not shown). The beverage concentratereservoir 3 includes a generally cylindrical reservoir portion 15, and adispensing portion 20. The cylindrical reservoir portion 15 has elongatewalls 25 that terminate at one end 30 to create a closed end that definea generally cylindrical cavity containing a granulated beverage mix 40.The elongate walls 25 terminate at the other end in the dispensingportion 20. As shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 7-8, the elongate walls 25 includeat least one aperture 45 near the enclosed end 30 of the cylindricalreservoir portion 15, that, when properly positioned for mixing, matchesup with at least a portion of the aperture(s) 9 in the cylindricalthroat portion 5 of the circular threaded shell 2. The dispensingportion 20 contains a generally cylindrical stem 50 extending therefrom,having a diameter smaller than that of the cylindrical reservoir portion15. Around the base of the stem 50 are a number of small apertures 55 toallow passage of liquid from a beverage container when the cap 4 isproperly positioned. Also extending transversely from the walls of thedispensing portion 20 is a fin 60 for activation of the mixing featuresin certain embodiments of the present invention. The beverageconcentrate reservoir 3 can be friction-fit, but preferably, as shown,is snap-fit into the throat portion 5 of the threaded shell 2. One ormore retaining barb(s) 62 can be located on and extend around at least aportion of the circumference of the walls 25 of the beverage concentratereservoir 3 to keep the beverage concentrate reservoir 3 in fixed axialposition relative to the throat portion 5, which contains correspondingdepression(s) 85, 86 to accept the barb(s) 62. The radial positioning ofthe beverage concentrate reservoir 3 can also be maintained by aprotrusion 64 located on the wall 25 of the beverage concentratereservoir 3, and which fits into a corresponding depression in the wall7 of the throat portion of the threaded shell 2.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8, the re-sealable bottle closures of thepresent invention also include features for controlled dispensing of thebeverages. A cap 4 having a central aperture 100 and which is axiallyadjustable about the stem 50 extending from the dispensing portion 20.The axial movement of the cap 4 relative to the stem 50 is limited inone direction by the shoulder 65 formed by the walls of the dispensingportion 20 of the beverage concentrate reservoir 3. The axial movementof the cap 4 relative to the stem 50 is limited in the other directionby the bead 70 of cap 4, and the opposed bead 75 located on the walls ofthe dispensing portion 20 of the beverage concentrate reservoir 3.

As shown in the cross-sectional, and partial cut-away view in FIGS. 2and 3, the elongate wall 7 of the circular threaded shell 2 contains anaperture 9. With the mixing mechanism in its closed position, theaperture 45 (not shown in FIG. 2) in the elongate wall 25 of thebeverage concentrate reservoir 3 is not visible. As a result thebeverage concentrate 40 is not allowed to mix with the beverage bottlecontents.

As shown in the partial cross-sectional view in FIG. 3, the mixingmechanism in FIG. 2 has been activated by use of a force, such asthrough pressure from a consumer's thumb and as shown by arrows 80 onthe fin 60 to rotate the beverage concentrate reservoir 3 within thethreaded shell 2. With the mixing mechanism in its opened position, theaperture 45, now visible in the elongate wall 25 of the beverageconcentrate reservoir 3 and aligned with aperture 9 of the threadedshell 2 allows co-mingling of the beverage concentrate 40 with thebeverage bottle contents. Although not required, it is preferred thatthe beverage concentrate reservoir 3 contain a headspace 110, comprisinga greater volume than is required for containing the beverageconcentrate 40 alone, which provides additional mixing volume forenhanced ease in mixing the beverage concentrate and the beveragecontainer contents.

As shown in the partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofthe present invention in FIG. 4, the elongate wall 25 of the beverageconcentrate reservoir 3 contains barb 62 which runs around at least aportion of the circumference of the outer surface of wall 25. The innersurface of elongate wall 7 of the circular threaded shell 2 contains twodepressions 85, 86 spaced apart axially along the elongate wall 7 forreceiving the barb 62. As shown with the mixing mechanism in closedposition in FIG. 4, the beverage concentrate reservoir 3 is partiallyinserted into the threaded shell 2, and the barb 62 is engaged in thefirst of the two depressions 85. With the mixing mechanism in its closedposition, the aperture 45 (partially shown in cut-away) in the elongatewall 25 of the beverage concentrate reservoir 3 is not visible. As aresult the beverage concentrate 40 is not allowed to mix with thebeverage bottle contents.

As shown in the partial cross-sectional view in FIG. 5, the mixingmechanism in FIG. 4 has been activated by use of a force as shown byarrows 94 on the top of the dispensing portion 20 of the beverageconcentrate reservoir 3 and cap 4 to slide the beverage concentratereservoir 3 deeper within the threaded shell 2 until the shoulder 65 ofthe beverage concentrate reservoir 3 contacts the threaded shell 2 andthe barb 62 releases from depression 85 along the inner surface ofelongate wall 7, and engages lower depression 86. With the mixingmechanism in its opened position, the aperture 45, now visible in theelongate wall 25 of the beverage concentrate reservoir 3 and alignedwith aperture 9 of the threaded shell 2 allows co-mingling of thebeverage concentrate 40 with the beverage bottle contents. Although notrequired, it is preferred that the beverage concentrate reservoir 3contain a headspace 110, comprising a greater volume than is requiredfor containing the beverage concentrate 40 alone, which providesadditional mixing volume for enhanced ease in mixing the beverageconcentrate and the beverage container contents.

As shown in the partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofthe present invention in FIG. 6, the elongate wall 25 of the beverageconcentrate reservoir 3 contains a thread 90 which runs in generallyspiral fashion around at least a portion of the circumference of theouter surface of wall 25. The inner surface of elongate wall 7 of thecircular threaded shell 2 contains a corresponding generally spiraldepression 92 for receiving the thread 90. As shown with the mixingmechanism in closed position in FIG. 6, the beverage concentratereservoir 3 is partially inserted into the threaded shell 2, and thethread 90 is engaged in the upper portion of the spiral depression 92.With the mixing mechanism in its closed position, the aperture 45 in theelongate wall 25 of the beverage concentrate reservoir 3 is not visible.As a result the beverage concentrate 40 is not allowed to mix with thebeverage bottle contents.

As shown in the partial cross-sectional view in FIG. 7, the mixingmechanism in FIG. 6 has been activated by use of a force, such asthrough pressure from a consumer's thumb and as shown by arrows 96 onthe fin 60 to rotate the beverage concentrate reservoir 3 within thethreaded shell 2, causing the thread 90 to bear along the depressions92, and become further inserted in the threaded shell 2 until thebeverage concentrate reservoir 3 engages the shoulder 65 of the threadedshell 2. With the mixing mechanism in its opened position, the aperture45, now visible in the elongate wall 25 of the beverage concentratereservoir 3 and aligned with aperture 9 of the threaded shell 2 allowsco-mingling of the beverage concentrate 40 with the beverage bottlecontents. Although not required, it is preferred that the beverageconcentrate reservoir 3 contain a headspace 110, comprising a greatervolume than is required for containing the beverage concentrate 40alone, which provides additional mixing volume for enhanced ease inmixing the beverage concentrate and the beverage container contents.

The incorporation of features which control flow of the mixed beverageupon being dispensed from the beverage container is an important aspectof the invention. As shown in the partial cross-sectional view in FIG.8, the cap 4 is opened to allow flow of liquid from the beveragecontainer and through flow restricting apertures 55, and aperture 100.Cap 4 is opened by application of a force such as through pressure froma consumer's thumb and as shown by arrows 98 on the sides of cap 4,causing it to slide upward from the dispensing portion 20 of beverageconcentrate reservoir 3 and to disengage stem 50. The axial movement ofthe cap 4 relative to the stem 50 is limited in one direction by theshoulder 65 formed by the walls of the dispensing portion 20 of thebeverage concentrate reservoir 3. The axial movement of the cap 4relative to the stem 50 is limited in the other direction by the bead 70of cap 4, and the opposed bead 75 located on the walls of the dispensingportion 20 of the beverage concentrate reservoir 3.

As shown in the side view in FIG. 9, re-sealable bottle closureaccording to the present invention is threaded on to a water bottle 120.The threaded shell 2 containing the beverage concentrate reservoir inthe throat portion 7 can be seen extending down through the neck of thewater bottle 120. The fin 60 extending outwardly from the beverageconcentrate reservoir for activating the mixing mechanism is visible.Also visible, are stem 50 extending through cap 4.

One advantage of the present invention is that it can be easilymanufactured with known techniques, such as plastic molding, used in themanufacture of bottle closures.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the three components,the cap, the beverage concentrate reservoir, and the threaded shellremain together before and during use, so as not to create refuse fordisposal prior to disposal of the beverage container.

Another advantage of the present invention is its light weight and smallsize when compared to a bottled beverage. A consumer can easily carry anumber of the re-sealable bottle closures on their person to a point ofconsumption without significant burden. A unique feature of the presentinvention is that the re-sealable bottle closure is compatible with, andcan be used by a consumer, on demand, in conjunction with almost anybottled beverage, particularly bottled water, to create a mixedbeverage.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it allows theuser to mix a pre-measured amount of beverage concentrate with a liquid,such as water, in a beverage container without having to come intocontact with either the beverage concentrate or the beverage containercontents.

The methods for using the re-sealable, controlled flow bottle closuresof the present invention are described more fully with respect to FIG.10. Such methods include taking a sealed bottled beverage, such aswater, which can be purchased from a vendor at or near a point ofconsumption, and removing the container's original closure. After thebeverage container is opened, a re-sealable bottle closure of thepresent invention is inserted into the neck of the beverage containerand threaded, or snap-fit depending upon the attachment mechanism, tothe exposed threads on the beverage container 200. Once sealed in thismanner, the mixing mechanism can be activated by the user, allowing thecomponents to co-mingle and mix together to create a mixed beverage 210.Because mixing occurs within the sealed bottle, the consumer does notcome into contact with either the beverage concentrate or the beveragecontainer contents until it is desired to dispense them. As a furtherstep for consuming the mixed beverage, the consumer can open the bottleclosure by adjusting the cap axially along the stem, allowing thebeverage contents to be dispensed in a controlled fashion 220. Ifdesired, the beverage container can be re-sealed for later repeated useby the consumer by resealing the cap on the stem.

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. Further, the description isnot intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein.Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the aboveteachings, and the skill or knowledge in the relevant art, are withinthe scope of the present invention. The embodiment described hereinaboveis further intended to explain modes for practicing the invention and toenable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in variousembodiments and with various modifications required by their particularapplications or uses of the invention. It is intended that the appendedclaims be construed to include alternate embodiments to the extentpermitted by the prior art.

1. A method comprising the steps of: providing a beverage containerhaving screw threads for receiving a threaded closure, said beveragecontainer further containing a liquid; providing a re-sealable threadedclosure having a valve, said valve comprising a cap and a stem extendingfrom said closure, wherein said cap further includes an aperture, andwherein said cap is seated over said stem, allowing said stem to extendat least partially through said aperture in said cap, said threadedclosure further including a beverage concentrate reservoir containing abeverage concentrate, and a mixing mechanism for allowing said beverageconcentrate to co-mingle with said liquid; screwing said re-sealablethreaded closure onto said screw threads of said beverage container tosealably engage said re-sealable threaded closure with said beveragecontainer; activating said mixing mechanism to allow said beverageconcentrate to co-mingle with said liquid to create a mixed beverage;adjusting said cap relative to said stem to allow said mixed beverage tocontrollably flow from said beverage container.
 2. The method as claimedin claim 1, wherein said step of activating said mixing mechanismcomprises applying a twisting force to said mixing mechanism.
 3. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step of activating saidmixing mechanism comprises applying a pushing force to said mixingmechanism.
 4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step ofactivating said mixing mechanism comprises applying a pushing forcefollowed by applying a twisting force to said mixing mechanism.
 5. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, wherein said step of adjusting said capcomprises pulling on said cap to at least partially withdraw said stemfrom said aperture in said cap.
 6. The method as claimed in claim 1,wherein said step of adjusting said cap comprises twisting said cap toat least partially withdraw said stem from said aperture in said cap. 7.A method comprising the steps of: providing a beverage container, saidbeverage container further containing a liquid; providing a re-sealableclosure having a valve, said valve comprising a cap and a stem extendingfrom said closure, wherein said cap further includes an aperture, andwherein said cap is seated over said stem, allowing said stem to extendat least partially through said aperture in said cap, said closurefurther including a beverage concentrate, and a mixing mechanism forallowing said beverage concentrate to co-mingle with said liquid;connecting said re-sealable closure with said beverage container;activating said mixing mechanism to allow said beverage concentrate toco-mingle with said liquid to create a mixed beverage; adjusting saidcap relative to said stem to allow said mixed beverage to controllablyflow from said beverage container.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 7,wherein said step of activating said mixing mechanism comprises applyinga twisting force to said mixing mechanism.
 9. The method as claimed inclaim 7, wherein said step of activating said mixing mechanism comprisesapplying a pushing force to said mixing mechanism.
 10. The method asclaimed in claim 7, wherein said step of activating said mixingmechanism comprises applying a pushing force followed by applying atwisting force to said mixing mechanism.
 11. The method as claimed inclaim 7, wherein said step of adjusting said cap comprises pulling onsaid cap to at least partially withdraw said stem from said aperture insaid cap.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein said step ofadjusting said cap comprises twisting said cap to at least partiallywithdraw said stem from said aperture in said cap.
 13. A methodcomprising the steps of: providing a beverage container, said beveragecontainer further containing a liquid; providing a closure including abeverage concentrate, and a mixing mechanism for allowing said beverageconcentrate to co-mingle with said liquid; connecting said closure withsaid beverage container; activating said mixing mechanism to allow saidbeverage concentrate to co-mingle with said liquid to create a mixedbeverage; opening said closure to allow said mixed beverage to flow fromsaid beverage container.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 13, whereinsaid step of activating said mixing mechanism comprises applying atwisting force to said mixing mechanism.
 15. The method as claimed inclaim 13, wherein said step of activating said mixing mechanismcomprises applying a pushing force to said mixing mechanism.
 16. Themethod as claimed in claim 13, wherein said step of activating saidmixing mechanism comprises applying a pushing force followed by applyinga twisting force to said mixing mechanism.
 17. The method as claimed inclaim 13, wherein said step of adjusting said cap comprises pulling onsaid cap to at least partially withdraw said stem from said aperture insaid cap.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein saidre-sealable closure comprises a valve.
 19. The method as claimed inclaim 18, wherein said valve comprises a cap and a stem extending fromsaid closure.
 20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein said capfurther includes an aperture, and wherein said cap is seated over saidstem, allowing said stem to extend at least partially through saidaperture in said cap.
 21. The method as claimed in claim 20, whereinsaid step of adjusting said cap comprises twisting said cap to at leastpartially withdraw said stem from said aperture in said cap.